DIY Tips

If you’ve taken the important first step and decided you want to replace an old, inefficient boiler in your home, what do you need to know about the second step - namely, putting the new boiler in.

Most important of all is to remember it’s against the law for anyone other than a Gas Safe Register heating engineer to fit or work on a gas boiler (for oil-fired boilers, it’s OFTEC - www.oftec.co.uk), so that’s the first thing to check. Visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk to search for installers.

“In an ideal world, we would all have an installer we can call on when needed, but this is not always the case,” says Martyn Bridges, director of technical support at boiler manufacturer Worcester, Bosch Group. “Friends and family who have had a good experience can be a good starting point, but many manufacturers have created a database of installers across the country.

“Worcester has a Find an Installer section on its website - www.worcester-bosch.co.uk - as well as a free iPhone app. Both allow you to search by postcode for a reputable, Worcester-accredited installer in your area.”

“A good installer will always notify you of the after-sales service, including warranties on appliances, materials and workmanship, as well as the arrangements to remedy any defective work or damage to the property,” says Bridges. “Make sure you ask your installer about these if it isn’t explained in the first instance.”

The cost of replacing a gas boiler costs from around £1,500, but can rise to several thousand pounds for larger properties.